Best in Mar
Jordan
Amman
Moderate
From $80 /day
Jordan
Jordan is a timeless bridge between the ancient world and modern Middle Eastern hospitality. You can wander through the rose-red sandstone city of Petra or sleep under a blanket of stars in the vast, burnt-orange desert of Wadi Rum. From the therapeutic, salt-heavy waters of the Dead Sea to the bustling urban energy of Amman, the landscape changes as dramatically as the history. It is a land of biblical sites, Roman ruins, and Crusader castles, all reachable within a few hours of travel. Whether you are trekking through rugged canyons or sipping sage tea with locals, Jordan offers an immersive experience that feels both adventurous and deeply welcoming.
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We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
2 cities
6 guides
$74 – $80 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Amman
Languages
Arabic, English
Currency
Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
1 JOD ≈ 1.41 $
Plug Type
Type C, D, F, G, J
Driving Side
Right
Dial Code
+962
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
UTC+3 (Asia/Amman; no DST)
Emergency
911 (General); also 191 (Ambulance), 192 (Police), 193 (Fire)
Why Visit Jordan
The Rose City of Petra
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a marvel of ancient engineering carved directly into canyon walls. You can walk through the narrow Siq to witness the iconic Treasury and climb hundreds of stairs for panoramic views.
Mars on Earth in Wadi Rum
Known as the Valley of the Moon, this desert wilderness features towering rock formations and red sand dunes. It is the perfect place for a 4x4 safari or an overnight stay in a traditional Bedouin camp.
Floating in the Dead Sea
Sitting at the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea's high salt content makes sinking impossible. The mineral-rich mud is famous for its skin-healing properties and is used in world-class spas along the coast.
Roman Ruins of Jerash
Often called the Pompeii of the East, Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. You can walk the colonnaded streets and visit the massive Hippodrome where chariot races once took place.
Authentic Levantine Flavors
Jordanian cuisine is a highlight, featuring slow-cooked meats and vibrant mezze platters. The legendary hospitality ensures that you will never leave a table feeling hungry or unwelcome.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Jordan
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Amman and the Northern Highlands
Centered around the capital, this region combines urban life with significant archaeological sites like Jerash and Ajloun. It offers a cooler climate and hilly landscapes covered in olive groves and pine trees.
The Jordan Valley and Dead Sea
This area sits at the lowest elevation on the planet and is characterized by its hypersaline lake and lush agricultural plains. It serves as a primary hub for wellness tourism and luxury resort stays.
The King's Highway and Central Plateau
This historic route winds through the mountainous heart of the country, connecting Madaba, Karak Castle, and the Dana Biosphere Reserve. It is the most scenic way to travel south, offering breathtaking views of deep wadis.
The Southern Desert
Home to the world-famous Nabataean capital of Petra and the vast wilderness of Wadi Rum. This region is the crown jewel of Jordanian tourism, offering unparalleled hiking and cultural immersion with Bedouin tribes.
The Red Sea Coast
Jordan's only coastal outlet, Aqaba, provides a gateway to world-class diving and snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs. It is a tax-free zone with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for ending a trip with sun and sea.
Cities & Destinations:
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Jordan is during the spring and autumn when temperatures are mild and the landscapes are most vibrant. These seasons avoid the blistering heat of the summer desert and the surprisingly cold, rainy winters in the highlands.
Peak Season
Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct
Spring and late autumn offer ideal temperatures ranging from 18–28°C (64–82°F). This is the busiest time for Petra and Wadi Rum, with wildflowers blooming in April and pleasant conditions for hiking.
Shoulder Season
Feb, Nov
These months serve as a transition with cooler days and fewer crowds. Daytime temperatures are typically 13–20°C (55–68°F), though nights can be chilly, especially in the desert.
Off-Peak
Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec, Jan
Summer (June–August) brings extreme heat often exceeding 40°C, while winter (December–January) can see freezing temperatures and occasional snow in Amman and Petra.
Getting Around
Jordan has a well-developed network of highways connecting major tourist hubs. While public transport within cities can be informal, intercity travel is efficiently handled by dedicated tourist bus services and private rentals.
Bus
The Jordan Express Tourist Transport (JETT) provides reliable, air-conditioned coaches connecting Amman to Petra (~$13 / JOD 9.18), Wadi Rum, and Aqaba. Booking in advance is recommended.
Car
Rental cars are widely available at Queen Alia International Airport. Driving is on the right. IDP requirements vary by licence country; some travelers (e.g., UK) need a 1949 IDP, and others may be asked for one by rental/insurance.
Metro
There is currently no metro system in Jordan; however, the historic Jordan-Hejaz Railway offers specialized heritage steam train trips for tourists.
Taxi
Yellow taxis are plentiful in cities; always insist on using the meter (A'ddad). Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are popular and provide transparent pricing in Amman.
Food & Drink
Jordanian food is a communal affair, often centered around large platters designed for sharing. It blends Bedouin traditions with Levantine influences, resulting in dishes that are rich in spices like za'atar and sumac.
Must Try
Mansaf
The national dish of Jordan consisting of tender lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt called Jameed and served over rice.
Maqluba
A savory dish of meat, rice, and fried vegetables that is layered in a pot and turned upside down before serving to create a vertical cake.
Zarb
A traditional Bedouin barbecue where meat and vegetables are slow-cooked in a sealed underground pit filled with hot coals for a smoky flavor.
Falafel
Deep-fried balls of ground chickpeas and herbs, typically served inside warm pita bread with tahini and salad as a staple street food.
Kunafa
A popular Levantine dessert made of shredded filo pastry or semolina dough, layered with gooey Nabulsi cheese and soaked in sweet syrup.
Arabic Coffee
An essential social drink often flavored with cardamom and served in small cups as a traditional sign of welcome and hospitality.
Money & Costs
Jordan is a mid-range destination where costs for food and entry fees are significant, though daily expenses like local transport are affordable. A daily budget of ~$78 / JOD 55 is typical for moderate travelers.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in the tourism industry; 10% is standard in restaurants, and ~$1.18–$2.36 / JOD 0.84–JOD 1.67 is appreciated for hotel porters. Guides typically expect ~$18–$29 / JOD 13–JOD 21 per day.
Cards
Major hotels, malls, and upscale restaurants in Amman and Aqaba accept credit cards. Smaller shops and desert camps in Wadi Rum operate exclusively in cash.
ATMs
ATMs are widely available in urban centers and usually charge a small fee for international cards. It is essential to carry enough cash when heading to remote desert areas.
Culture & Etiquette
Jordan is a conservative but deeply hospitable society where traditional Bedouin values still influence daily life. Respecting local customs, especially regarding dress and social interactions, will greatly enhance your travel experience.
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Dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas outside of tourist resorts.
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Accept the first cup of tea or coffee offered by a host, as refusing can be seen as impolite in Jordanian culture.
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Do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours in the month of Ramadan to show respect for those fasting.
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Remove your shoes before entering someone's home or a mosque to show respect for the cleanliness of the space.
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Avoid public displays of affection like kissing or long embraces, which are considered inappropriate and disrespectful in many public areas.
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Use your right hand for eating, greeting, and passing objects, as the left hand is traditionally reserved for personal hygiene.
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Ask for permission before taking photos of local people, particularly women or those in traditional Bedouin dress.
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Tip around 10% in restaurants and ~$1.18–$2.36 / JOD 0.84–JOD 1.67 for hotel porters, as tipping is a standard and expected part of the service industry.
Safety & Health
Jordan is considered one of the safest countries in the Middle East with a strong police presence in tourist areas. Visitors should exercise a high degree of caution near the borders with Syria and Iraq.
Tap Water
Not safe to drink
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are highly recommended for most travelers. A Yellow Fever certificate is required if arriving from an infected region.
Common Scams
- ⚠ The 'Free' Horse Ride: Guides in Petra may claim a ride is included in your ticket, but will demand a large tip (~$24 / JOD 17) at the end.
- ⚠ Taxi Meter Refusal: Drivers may claim the meter is broken to charge inflated flat rates; always agree on a price or find a metered car.
- ⚠ Fake Antiques: Vendors in souks often sell mass-produced replicas as genuine ancient artifacts or local handicrafts.
- ⚠ The Love Scam: Romantic interests targeting solo travelers to eventually request financial assistance for 'family emergencies' or business ventures.
Healthcare in Amman is excellent, with many private hospitals providing high-quality care. Travel medical/evacuation insurance is strongly recommended; requirements can change, so check official sources and your airline.
Language
Modern Standard Arabic is used for formal settings, while Jordanian Arabic (Levantine dialect) is spoken daily. English is widely understood in the tourism, business, and banking sectors.
English Spoken: Moderately spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Marhaba | mar-ha-ba |
| Thank you | Shukran | shook-ran |
| Please | Min fadlak | min fad-lak |
| How much? | Addesh? | ad-desh |
| Yes | Naam | na-am |
| No | La | la |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Afwan / Aasif | af-wan / aa-sif |
| Goodbye | Ma'assalama | ma-as-sa-la-ma |
Visa & Entry
Visa rules vary by nationality. Many travelers can get a single-entry visit visa on arrival at airports and some land crossings (40 JOD for UK passport holders, valid 1 month), but visas are not issued on arrival at the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge. The Jordan Pass waives visa fees if purchased before arrival and you stay minimum 2 whole nights (3 days).
Max Stay
30 days (1 month) on arrival; extensions possible
Passport Validity
Passport expiry must be at least 6 months after your arrival date
Visa-free for
GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE), plus Lebanon and Turkey
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
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